Sunrise at Haleakala

Taking advantage of my extreme jet lag, I started my day this morning at 2:45 am. Joining Cruiser Phil's Volcano Riders, I drove to the top of Haleakala, a volcano on Maui. I thought this was brilliant scheduling on my part. Having only arrived yesterday, 2:45 am was 8:45 am in DC, a completely reasonable time to be starting the day.

After getting picked up, we went to Phil's headquarters for waiver signing, coffee, and muffins. The 3 am start time must have been rougher than on me than I anticipated, however, because the organizer of our trip had to clarify whether or not I was a minor. Now, I've oft been confused for being younger than I am, but under 18? I'd like to believe I at least pass for 20.

After getting our gear, we began the hour drive to the top of the volcano. Here we watched the sun rise, while a Hawaiian park ranger called (sang? chanted?) a sun salutation. 50 people staring intently for the sun to appear quickly learn that the sun is in fact, bright.

 

The crater edge, or at least our viewing point, was at 9,700 feet. Mountains are cold in the morning, and this was no exception. The temperature was 34 degrees when we arrived. Fortunately, Phil was kind enough to outfit us in these totally awesome bomber jackets. In fairness to the person who thought I might be minor, I am looking pretty rough.

Once the sunrise had been fully appreciated, we began our trek down the volcano. The total trip was about 28 miles, although less than 400 yards of that required pedaling. It was pretty cold for the first part of the trip still, so I added additional layers to my Fonz jacket, sad to cover it up. (I'm also ready for motocross in the rain.) The ride was absolutely delightful. It is a gorgeous trip down the mountain, around the island, and toward the coast.

At the bottom we stopped at the town of Paia for breakfast. Our guide deemed it a hippie town. I ate in enough time to visit the Paia Peace Stupa. In 2007, it was blessed by the Dalai Lama. It is very small inside, and mostly filled by the spinning thing. I'm sure there is a more appropriate term, but I don't know it. It always turns to the right, and as it turns, a bell rings. Guests are invited to enter, walk around, and say a prayer.

The rest of my afternoon was spent, surprise, on the beach. It is as lovely and tremendous as you would imagine the beach at Maui to be. I am beginning to wonder how to judge an "excessive amount of sand". This will become important when I turn in my rental car.

In case the connection between me sitting on the beach and me making the world a better place is unclear, I am in Hawaii for work. I will be attending a conference next week. I just couldn't fly all this way only to see the inside of conference hall.

I hope to share much more about my lovely residence, but for now, this preview of my favorite wall hanging will have to do.